SLK/R170: phone options
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2002
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SLK 350 (2006)
phone options
What exactly do the phone options for the SLK 320 offer over just a cellphone?
It seems like a LOT of money for not much as far as I can tell.
Thanks for any input.
It seems like a LOT of money for not much as far as I can tell.
Thanks for any input.
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Chandler, Arizona - USA
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'02 SLK32 AMG
Here's what you get...
Cradle to keep your v60 (or Timeport) phone in the center console.
Uses the antenna mounted on the fender. This antenna operates at a higher wattage and should give you better range for reception and transmission.
Complete integration with the head unit. Mute the radio or turn it on when you get an incoming call, hands-free operation through built-in microphone and radio speakers, One touch switch from CD/Radio to phone, dial telephone numbers on the radio keypad.
Voice activation through the audio system if you get the $400 voice option.
Of course, the one feature that M-B tries to sell you on is that phones other than the Mercedes-Benz phones can interfere with the vehicle electronics and that is a potential safety issue.
Is it worth it? I don't think so.
Consider this: The phone options has changed every single model year since the SLK was introduced for '98.
'98 Motorola mobile or portable phone analog
'99 Startac Analog
'00 Startac Digital
'01 Timeport Digital
'02 V60 digital (Timeport also available due to late availability of the V60).
The only retrofits were to put the '00 Startac digital into a '99 or an '02 V60 digital into an '01 (requires upgrade kit).
Do you really want to spend nearly $1500 or more for a phone that's going to be obsolete in less than 3 years and knowing there's almost no chance you'll be able to upgrade it?
Cradle to keep your v60 (or Timeport) phone in the center console.
Uses the antenna mounted on the fender. This antenna operates at a higher wattage and should give you better range for reception and transmission.
Complete integration with the head unit. Mute the radio or turn it on when you get an incoming call, hands-free operation through built-in microphone and radio speakers, One touch switch from CD/Radio to phone, dial telephone numbers on the radio keypad.
Voice activation through the audio system if you get the $400 voice option.
Of course, the one feature that M-B tries to sell you on is that phones other than the Mercedes-Benz phones can interfere with the vehicle electronics and that is a potential safety issue.
Is it worth it? I don't think so.
Consider this: The phone options has changed every single model year since the SLK was introduced for '98.
'98 Motorola mobile or portable phone analog
'99 Startac Analog
'00 Startac Digital
'01 Timeport Digital
'02 V60 digital (Timeport also available due to late availability of the V60).
The only retrofits were to put the '00 Startac digital into a '99 or an '02 V60 digital into an '01 (requires upgrade kit).
Do you really want to spend nearly $1500 or more for a phone that's going to be obsolete in less than 3 years and knowing there's almost no chance you'll be able to upgrade it?
Last edited by Brian_R170; 06-13-2002 at 11:10 AM.